THE HOLIDAYS

This is gauntlet time for people trying to lose weight. First there's Thanksgiving, then there are leftovers, and after that, Christmas and New Year’s Day with all the football and snacks and stuff. And then, there's the guilt and the resolution to lose weight this year.

The question is how to maintain weight loss during those days when food, good food and plenty of it, is everywhere. During the Christmas season I have been invited to at least half a dozen Christmas lunches or banquets. So what does one do? I could decline the invitations, but that would be rude and not in my best interest professionally or pastorally. With respect to these invitations to holiday feasts there are only two options, or some combination of the two. First, I can simply eat smart. I can eat small portions and only healthy choices. Second, I can eat a little more and then exercise a little more. Or I can do a little of both--small portions and exercise more.

With respect to the family meals and the all the leftovers--pies pleading to be eaten, cookies calling, turkey tempting me--I must simply exercise self-control. Also, I pick one day when I can just eat as much healthy food as I want to. I’ll make smart choices, but not limit the amount I eat. (Chances are that because I’ve been eating smaller portions now for a couple months, I won’t be able to hold much anyhow.) I will need to stay away from high calorie foods such as desserts. The problem is that I love cheesecake. I could eat the whole thing, but I will probably only have a small slice, if I have any at all. Also, I will be engaging in high calorie burning activities. During Thanksgiving I'll be walking the hills of West Virginia hunting. I'll jog and hike as well.

A good goal for the holidays is to get to New Year’s Day without gaining a pound. It's a victory if you don't gain, even if you don't lose anything. After New Year’s you can get back into the routine and start melting away those pounds again.

Verse of the Day: 1 Thess 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. NKJV